Scripture: For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. Hebrews 2:2-4
Observation: The writer of Hebrews has established that Jesus is above the prophets and above the angels, and therefore askes they rhetorical question ... how can we ignore Jesus? When people ignored the instruction of angels, and were disobedient to the correction of prophets, they were destroyed ... that list is long! But now the son of God gives us a message, which is supernaturally confirmed by God himself and reinforced by the Holy Spirit. There is no logical way this can be ignored.
Application: Let's see ... in today's readings alone, those who are condemned are ... the lazy, the foolish, the meddlesome, the jokester the gossip, the arguer (Proverbs), the Edomites, all who celebrated Judah's fall (Obadiah), those who reject the word of angels, prophets, and Jesus, and those who reject the signs of God and the Holy Spirit (Hebrews). The last of these summarizes all the others of course, for it is the rejection of God's word that is then the downfall of men.
This continues the lessons from the past few days, and it is depressing to think of how this applies to the world around me. Instead today, I'll spend some time in worship, and try to focus on my Lord, my God, my Savior, and my Abba.
Prayer: Lord, I worship you and you alone. May I be obedient, as I strive to be daily, and listen to your word. Amen.
Thursday, October 31, 2019
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Crying Out for Renewal
Scripture:
Rivers of water run down from my eyes,
Because men do not keep Your law.
Psalm 119:136
Observation: While the author has expressed desire, joy, and hunger for the laws, precepts, decrees, and statutes of God, he cries over this one issue - men do not keep God's law. This is the aspect of the world to acknowledge with true sadness, the conscious actions of men to ignore and reject God's laws, precepts, decrees, and statutes.
The bible was written between 1,900 and 3,800 years ago, and yet its words completely align to the world today. Throughout our society, men totally and completely reject God's good teachings. In fact, many corners of our 'western world' actively celebrate the times when they overcome and overthrow the laws and associated standards established by the creator of the universe.
Application: Even within the church - this very week in my church - there have been conversations about how our church activities need to align to current cultural movements. I get angry about this, for certain. But do I cry?
In my soul, yes I do. Even though I myself struggle to keep God's word and follow his laws, it saddens me when others seek to openly reject - and even overthrow - those laws. It is one thing to sin, but it is another to reject.
May rivers of water run down from my eyes, but as a pleading to the Lord for guidance, renewal, redemption, and awakening within our city. May our emotion move God and others to restore right relationship in ... Bothell, Seattle, the Northwest, and to the ends of the earth.
Prayer: Lord, we are all sinners, myself chief among them. Yet I know the goodness of your word and your teaching, and the good your word intends for our lives. May this trend of open defiance against your good precepts in our nation be reversed. Amen.
Rivers of water run down from my eyes,
Because men do not keep Your law.
Psalm 119:136
Observation: While the author has expressed desire, joy, and hunger for the laws, precepts, decrees, and statutes of God, he cries over this one issue - men do not keep God's law. This is the aspect of the world to acknowledge with true sadness, the conscious actions of men to ignore and reject God's laws, precepts, decrees, and statutes.
The bible was written between 1,900 and 3,800 years ago, and yet its words completely align to the world today. Throughout our society, men totally and completely reject God's good teachings. In fact, many corners of our 'western world' actively celebrate the times when they overcome and overthrow the laws and associated standards established by the creator of the universe.
Application: Even within the church - this very week in my church - there have been conversations about how our church activities need to align to current cultural movements. I get angry about this, for certain. But do I cry?
In my soul, yes I do. Even though I myself struggle to keep God's word and follow his laws, it saddens me when others seek to openly reject - and even overthrow - those laws. It is one thing to sin, but it is another to reject.
May rivers of water run down from my eyes, but as a pleading to the Lord for guidance, renewal, redemption, and awakening within our city. May our emotion move God and others to restore right relationship in ... Bothell, Seattle, the Northwest, and to the ends of the earth.
Prayer: Lord, we are all sinners, myself chief among them. Yet I know the goodness of your word and your teaching, and the good your word intends for our lives. May this trend of open defiance against your good precepts in our nation be reversed. Amen.
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
Recalling Service to the Lord
Scripture: Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer, to the beloved Apphia, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house. Philemon 1:1-2
Observation: Paul opens his letter to Philemon, in which he will ask Philemon to receive his runaway slave Onesimus as instead a brother in the church, with a greeting not just to Philemon, but to Apphia and Archippus, and the church in their home. This led me to do some other research today.
Philemon is in Colossae ... it is therefore possible he is one of the key leaders (THE leader?) of the Colossian church. Apphia is clearly a member of his household, and therefore it is very likely she is his wife. Likewise, Archippus is also a member of the household, most likely the son of Apphia and Philemon though perhaps some other relative such as Apphia's brother. There is a church history that states Archippus later became the leader of the church at Laodicea, which is one of the "seven lampstand" churches to whom John writes the letter of Revelation. There is also a tradition that all four of these people - Philemon, Apphia, Archippus, and Onesimus - were executed by the Romans under Nero for their faith.
Whatever the case this family and their place in church history, there is no doubt that they were strong and active believers. Paul, arguably the most active apostle of the age, addressed Philemon as not just a friend, but as a 'fellow laborer' who without question led some kind of church that met in his home. Philemon was more than just someone who had met Paul, and whose former slave was now a Christian ... he was a leader of the church, and someone Paul felt comfortable would respond in love and faith to his letter.
Application: As I have been thinking about my position lately, I find this fact to be motivating ... while we have no idea what Philemon 'did' as a profession, we do know is position in the church. This is ultimately all that matters. It is, in fact, from just this little knowledge that church traditions may ascribe even greater standing upon Philemon's entire household (there are feast days in the Catholic church for them).
I spent last night as a "church leader" hosting others. Tonight, I will "host" an Alpha table. I will spend at least two other days/evenings this week serving others at church. In the last seven days I have spent an evening counseling a man struggling with life, and laboring to create our annual outreach event. I began to feel 'put out' by all of this. However ... this is really all that matters. It is the rest of my life that gets in the way of this true work and the priorities of the Lord.
Someday, a great pastor my send me an email of greeting. More likely, a great church leader will send my wife or son an email of greeting, and mention in passing to say hello to me as well. Either way, I hope to be remembered someday as a person who served well in the church, and nothing else really and truly matters.
Prayer: Lord, may I have your strength today. My day will be busy and perhaps stressful, and then I will be heading into an evening where I will rely upon your Holy Spirit for wisdom and strength. May I serve you well. Amen.
Observation: Paul opens his letter to Philemon, in which he will ask Philemon to receive his runaway slave Onesimus as instead a brother in the church, with a greeting not just to Philemon, but to Apphia and Archippus, and the church in their home. This led me to do some other research today.
Philemon is in Colossae ... it is therefore possible he is one of the key leaders (THE leader?) of the Colossian church. Apphia is clearly a member of his household, and therefore it is very likely she is his wife. Likewise, Archippus is also a member of the household, most likely the son of Apphia and Philemon though perhaps some other relative such as Apphia's brother. There is a church history that states Archippus later became the leader of the church at Laodicea, which is one of the "seven lampstand" churches to whom John writes the letter of Revelation. There is also a tradition that all four of these people - Philemon, Apphia, Archippus, and Onesimus - were executed by the Romans under Nero for their faith.
Whatever the case this family and their place in church history, there is no doubt that they were strong and active believers. Paul, arguably the most active apostle of the age, addressed Philemon as not just a friend, but as a 'fellow laborer' who without question led some kind of church that met in his home. Philemon was more than just someone who had met Paul, and whose former slave was now a Christian ... he was a leader of the church, and someone Paul felt comfortable would respond in love and faith to his letter.
Application: As I have been thinking about my position lately, I find this fact to be motivating ... while we have no idea what Philemon 'did' as a profession, we do know is position in the church. This is ultimately all that matters. It is, in fact, from just this little knowledge that church traditions may ascribe even greater standing upon Philemon's entire household (there are feast days in the Catholic church for them).
I spent last night as a "church leader" hosting others. Tonight, I will "host" an Alpha table. I will spend at least two other days/evenings this week serving others at church. In the last seven days I have spent an evening counseling a man struggling with life, and laboring to create our annual outreach event. I began to feel 'put out' by all of this. However ... this is really all that matters. It is the rest of my life that gets in the way of this true work and the priorities of the Lord.
Someday, a great pastor my send me an email of greeting. More likely, a great church leader will send my wife or son an email of greeting, and mention in passing to say hello to me as well. Either way, I hope to be remembered someday as a person who served well in the church, and nothing else really and truly matters.
Prayer: Lord, may I have your strength today. My day will be busy and perhaps stressful, and then I will be heading into an evening where I will rely upon your Holy Spirit for wisdom and strength. May I serve you well. Amen.
Monday, October 28, 2019
Pursue the Proper List
Scripture: Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. Titus 3:1-3
Observation: Paul's brief guidance for Titus includes a quick list of proper behavior for believers. This list includes ... obedience to authority, good works, not speaking evil of others, and being peaceable, gentle, and humble. In addition, Paul pronounces the counterpoint to this list using himself as the example ... being foolish, disobedient, deceived, lustful, malicious, envious, and hateful toward others.
In summary, a believer is to live out their humility through action, and those actions then would be productive work, obedient to the authority around them, while being peaceful, gentle, and kind to all others. A sign of non-belief is a prideful attitude that produces foolish sloth, coupled with desirous attitude toward material goods and other people, that results in hate-filled anger and conflict.
Application: In which of those two mindsets do I want to exist? I mean ... wow, the second mindset, fueled by pride, sounds like a terrible life. Yet how often do I actively pursue outcomes that involve conflicts, envy, and other desires because of my pride?
In the same way, the first list sounds awesome ... a peaceful and productive life! Yet how often do I resist such outcomes because of my inability to be humble?
I am improving in both these areas, but only by the grace of God, and through his continued assistance in my life. When I see these instructions by Paul, I am reminded of the good reasons for this pursuit. Yes, I desire to be humble because it is what God wishes, however I also know that it will produce the most joy and happiness in my life. Pride creates conflict, which wearies me to the point of unhappiness, frustration, anger, and regret. Humility can only produce an environment of peace and love. This is where and how I wish to live, and I will subject myself to the authority of others for that pursuit in Christ's name.
Prayer: Lord, this day and every day, may I live in prayerful humility, and thus become a light shining before men for your honor and glory alone. Not for mine, but thy will be done. Amen.
Observation: Paul's brief guidance for Titus includes a quick list of proper behavior for believers. This list includes ... obedience to authority, good works, not speaking evil of others, and being peaceable, gentle, and humble. In addition, Paul pronounces the counterpoint to this list using himself as the example ... being foolish, disobedient, deceived, lustful, malicious, envious, and hateful toward others.
In summary, a believer is to live out their humility through action, and those actions then would be productive work, obedient to the authority around them, while being peaceful, gentle, and kind to all others. A sign of non-belief is a prideful attitude that produces foolish sloth, coupled with desirous attitude toward material goods and other people, that results in hate-filled anger and conflict.
Application: In which of those two mindsets do I want to exist? I mean ... wow, the second mindset, fueled by pride, sounds like a terrible life. Yet how often do I actively pursue outcomes that involve conflicts, envy, and other desires because of my pride?
In the same way, the first list sounds awesome ... a peaceful and productive life! Yet how often do I resist such outcomes because of my inability to be humble?
I am improving in both these areas, but only by the grace of God, and through his continued assistance in my life. When I see these instructions by Paul, I am reminded of the good reasons for this pursuit. Yes, I desire to be humble because it is what God wishes, however I also know that it will produce the most joy and happiness in my life. Pride creates conflict, which wearies me to the point of unhappiness, frustration, anger, and regret. Humility can only produce an environment of peace and love. This is where and how I wish to live, and I will subject myself to the authority of others for that pursuit in Christ's name.
Prayer: Lord, this day and every day, may I live in prayerful humility, and thus become a light shining before men for your honor and glory alone. Not for mine, but thy will be done. Amen.
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Excellent, Unchanging, Forever
Scripture:
Forever, O Lord,
Your word is settled in heaven.
Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
You established the earth, and it abides.
They continue this day according to Your ordinances,
For all are Your servants.
Psalm 119:89-91
Observation: As the psalmist continues to celebrate and declare trust in the Lords commands and precepts, he also properly declares that all the words of the Lord are settled forever. They are established throughout all of heaven and earth, and then endure permanently.
This is the nature of the will of God, and the truth of his teaching. First, it is perfect and excellent, so much so that it is considered a settled matter in heaven. Second, it is unchanging and unwavering. It endures for all generations, and applies day after day, every day, forever. Third, God's word rules on earth. That very will and truth is the bedrock foundation upon which all aspects of life on earth is governed. In that way, all of nature - from the motion of tides, to the nature of lions, to the words of humans, to the orbits of planets, to the flight of birds, to the hunting of spiders, to the storms of weather - are the "servants" of God's word. It is by his very word that everything, including humans, are defined to exist.
Application: God's word is not rules for me to live by ... his word is life for me to understand through. It is by obeying his precepts that I can see the world as the amazing gift of love, created by his hand. It is flawed where God's word - his precepts, commands, and covenant conditions - have been violated.
As I take care to live within God's instructions, I will find more and more joy in the world around me. I will also find more and more peace in the current-day environment and conditions, for even as we believe we live in unique times, God's word endures forever, and remains the foundation of the earth.
Prayer: Lord, may I find peace and joy today, and every day, through your very words. They are words of love, not anger. They are words of care, not rules. You teach me well, may I learn better. Amen.
Forever, O Lord,
Your word is settled in heaven.
Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
You established the earth, and it abides.
They continue this day according to Your ordinances,
For all are Your servants.
Psalm 119:89-91
Observation: As the psalmist continues to celebrate and declare trust in the Lords commands and precepts, he also properly declares that all the words of the Lord are settled forever. They are established throughout all of heaven and earth, and then endure permanently.
This is the nature of the will of God, and the truth of his teaching. First, it is perfect and excellent, so much so that it is considered a settled matter in heaven. Second, it is unchanging and unwavering. It endures for all generations, and applies day after day, every day, forever. Third, God's word rules on earth. That very will and truth is the bedrock foundation upon which all aspects of life on earth is governed. In that way, all of nature - from the motion of tides, to the nature of lions, to the words of humans, to the orbits of planets, to the flight of birds, to the hunting of spiders, to the storms of weather - are the "servants" of God's word. It is by his very word that everything, including humans, are defined to exist.
Application: God's word is not rules for me to live by ... his word is life for me to understand through. It is by obeying his precepts that I can see the world as the amazing gift of love, created by his hand. It is flawed where God's word - his precepts, commands, and covenant conditions - have been violated.
As I take care to live within God's instructions, I will find more and more joy in the world around me. I will also find more and more peace in the current-day environment and conditions, for even as we believe we live in unique times, God's word endures forever, and remains the foundation of the earth.
Prayer: Lord, may I find peace and joy today, and every day, through your very words. They are words of love, not anger. They are words of care, not rules. You teach me well, may I learn better. Amen.
Thursday, October 17, 2019
Praying for Everyone's Salvation
Scripture: Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men. 1 Timothy 2:1
Observation: In his teaching of Timothy, Paul states that first of all, everyone should be prayed for. This includes 'kings' - civic leaders - but also simply includes all people, as the Lord wishes for everyone to ultimately be saved by faith in Jesus.
And this, then, is the subject of the general prayers for all people ... their faith. Paul states that God "desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (v4). Furthermore, Paul clarifies that this endeavor is the true mission of himself and every preacher and apostle ... to lead others to an understanding of Jesus Christ as their mediator before God. It is this prayer - that others would know Jesus Christ as their Lord and savior - that is the prayer that matters for all people.
Application: Never again should I wonder if I should pray for others (strangers, coworkers, random individuals, friends), nor should I wonder what to pray for them (health, wisdom in a matter, assistance in life, relief from a challenge). Paul makes the instruction simple for all of us, myself included ... pray for everyone that they should discover Jesus. We can add to that any sort of intercessory prayer we may like for specific matters as known, which would apply to those people we know well enough to know their needs, but for everyone we know of their one true need ... a right relationship with, and faith in, Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Lord, today I bring others to you, from my coworkers, to people I passed on the freeway. The odds are most do not know you. May you be in their lives today, making yourself known to them by both the words of those around them and events in their day-to-day activities, so that they might discover 'the truth'. Amen.
Observation: In his teaching of Timothy, Paul states that first of all, everyone should be prayed for. This includes 'kings' - civic leaders - but also simply includes all people, as the Lord wishes for everyone to ultimately be saved by faith in Jesus.
And this, then, is the subject of the general prayers for all people ... their faith. Paul states that God "desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (v4). Furthermore, Paul clarifies that this endeavor is the true mission of himself and every preacher and apostle ... to lead others to an understanding of Jesus Christ as their mediator before God. It is this prayer - that others would know Jesus Christ as their Lord and savior - that is the prayer that matters for all people.
Application: Never again should I wonder if I should pray for others (strangers, coworkers, random individuals, friends), nor should I wonder what to pray for them (health, wisdom in a matter, assistance in life, relief from a challenge). Paul makes the instruction simple for all of us, myself included ... pray for everyone that they should discover Jesus. We can add to that any sort of intercessory prayer we may like for specific matters as known, which would apply to those people we know well enough to know their needs, but for everyone we know of their one true need ... a right relationship with, and faith in, Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Lord, today I bring others to you, from my coworkers, to people I passed on the freeway. The odds are most do not know you. May you be in their lives today, making yourself known to them by both the words of those around them and events in their day-to-day activities, so that they might discover 'the truth'. Amen.
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Pronouncing the One Way
Scripture: They shall be My people, and I will be their God; then I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear Me forever, for the good of them and their children after them. Jeremiah 32:38-39
Observation: For the second time in this section, Jeremiah's prophesy relates to the future return to faith of the Lord's people. In this return, his people will call him their God, and he will give them "one heart" and a deeper understanding of his ways, precepts, and teachings. This will be an everlasting covenant, and will again be rooted in a permanent king from David.
God says he will give us "one way". And directly from this prophesy, Jesus called himself "the way". After the resurrection, the initial Christian community was called the 'followers of the way'. The early community - and even the Jewish leaders around them - understood the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophesy occurring through Jesus. Faith in Jesus was a new way, and a new covenant, founded by an everlasting king of the line of David, that would gather ALL people to now be the Lord's people. Into those believers he would bestow the Holy Spirit as the counselor and teacher in our hearts, so that we would have new understanding of the Lord's precepts, commands, and laws.
Application: I stand firm in the belief that there is only one way to salvation and grace from the Lord, and that is faith in Jesus. Those who don't believe thus must "find their own way" ... which doesn't exist, and yet we know they try. They try ... meditation, idol worship, self-actualization, hedonism, and even total rejection of the existence of any god.
I am a believer in the way, and Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. In prison, Jeremiah knew this and stood fast by that belief, too. He saw the day of salvation of all people, and I live in the day of the kingdom he saw. His words resonate across 2,500 years because they were not his words ... they were the promise of the one true God, the Lord almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Prayer: Lord, your word and your way is perfect, and an amazing gift and blessing. I will worship you forever, trust in you alone, and seek your will daily. Amen.
Observation: For the second time in this section, Jeremiah's prophesy relates to the future return to faith of the Lord's people. In this return, his people will call him their God, and he will give them "one heart" and a deeper understanding of his ways, precepts, and teachings. This will be an everlasting covenant, and will again be rooted in a permanent king from David.
God says he will give us "one way". And directly from this prophesy, Jesus called himself "the way". After the resurrection, the initial Christian community was called the 'followers of the way'. The early community - and even the Jewish leaders around them - understood the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophesy occurring through Jesus. Faith in Jesus was a new way, and a new covenant, founded by an everlasting king of the line of David, that would gather ALL people to now be the Lord's people. Into those believers he would bestow the Holy Spirit as the counselor and teacher in our hearts, so that we would have new understanding of the Lord's precepts, commands, and laws.
Application: I stand firm in the belief that there is only one way to salvation and grace from the Lord, and that is faith in Jesus. Those who don't believe thus must "find their own way" ... which doesn't exist, and yet we know they try. They try ... meditation, idol worship, self-actualization, hedonism, and even total rejection of the existence of any god.
I am a believer in the way, and Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. In prison, Jeremiah knew this and stood fast by that belief, too. He saw the day of salvation of all people, and I live in the day of the kingdom he saw. His words resonate across 2,500 years because they were not his words ... they were the promise of the one true God, the Lord almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Prayer: Lord, your word and your way is perfect, and an amazing gift and blessing. I will worship you forever, trust in you alone, and seek your will daily. Amen.
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Faith Across the Generations
Scripture: Then I charged Baruch before them, saying, "Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: 'Take these deeds, both this purchase deed which is sealed and this deed which is open, and put them in an earthen vessel, that they may last many days.' For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: 'Houses and fields and vineyards shall be possessed again in this land.'" Jeremiah 32:13-15
Observation: The siege of Jerusalem has begun. Jeremiah in imprisoned within the city, and knows the Babylonians will prevail, destroy the city, and most inhabitants will die. However, at the instruction of the Lord, Jeremiah does two things.
First, he purchases a plot of land in a place that is already under Babylonian control ... thus it is already effectively worthless, yet he is spending his good money which he may need to survive in order to purchase it. Second, he has a friend properly seal up the purchase documents in a manner that will preserve them for a very long time, thus being able to prove his ownership years - generations if need be - in the future.
In this manner, Jeremiah is demonstrating total and complete faith in everything he has ever been told by God. He is actually in prison for declaring the first part of the prophesy, which is that Babylon will destroy Jerusalem and take the king and others into exile. And this prophesy is now playing out right in front of him, as siege works are already erected against the city walls. However, Jeremiah has two more messages from God. One is that he will survive the siege. That doesn't look too promising given he is currently a prisoner and knows what is about to happen to even free people. The other message is that, someday in the distant future (for Jeremiah has already told the first exiles that their existence in Babylon will be a very long time), all of Judah and Israel will be restored and the remnant will return.
Therefore, Jeremiah is securing a good home for his future descendants based on promises that he will never, ever see, and in the face of a terrible situation that is very real.
Application: This is faith ... to double-down on the promise of the Lord, when the hard time is actually upon you. It isn't to believe that the hard time won't occur or I will be spared, but rather it is to believe sometime in the future - maybe not even my future - there will be a blessing I can rely upon.
It is in this faith I will continue to pour into my children's future. My future has no real importance, and I know it. Yes, I can serve and impact others for Jesus, but my name will pass from the lips of others within a generation of my death, and if I am remembered it will only be as some guy in old photos. The promises of the Lord for my family are for those future generations, and I will do all I can to prepare them for success and blessing.
Prayer: Lord, guide me in service to others, for I understand I have no purpose within myself. May I serve others in your name, even those who are not yet on this earth. Amen.
Observation: The siege of Jerusalem has begun. Jeremiah in imprisoned within the city, and knows the Babylonians will prevail, destroy the city, and most inhabitants will die. However, at the instruction of the Lord, Jeremiah does two things.
First, he purchases a plot of land in a place that is already under Babylonian control ... thus it is already effectively worthless, yet he is spending his good money which he may need to survive in order to purchase it. Second, he has a friend properly seal up the purchase documents in a manner that will preserve them for a very long time, thus being able to prove his ownership years - generations if need be - in the future.
In this manner, Jeremiah is demonstrating total and complete faith in everything he has ever been told by God. He is actually in prison for declaring the first part of the prophesy, which is that Babylon will destroy Jerusalem and take the king and others into exile. And this prophesy is now playing out right in front of him, as siege works are already erected against the city walls. However, Jeremiah has two more messages from God. One is that he will survive the siege. That doesn't look too promising given he is currently a prisoner and knows what is about to happen to even free people. The other message is that, someday in the distant future (for Jeremiah has already told the first exiles that their existence in Babylon will be a very long time), all of Judah and Israel will be restored and the remnant will return.
Therefore, Jeremiah is securing a good home for his future descendants based on promises that he will never, ever see, and in the face of a terrible situation that is very real.
Application: This is faith ... to double-down on the promise of the Lord, when the hard time is actually upon you. It isn't to believe that the hard time won't occur or I will be spared, but rather it is to believe sometime in the future - maybe not even my future - there will be a blessing I can rely upon.
It is in this faith I will continue to pour into my children's future. My future has no real importance, and I know it. Yes, I can serve and impact others for Jesus, but my name will pass from the lips of others within a generation of my death, and if I am remembered it will only be as some guy in old photos. The promises of the Lord for my family are for those future generations, and I will do all I can to prepare them for success and blessing.
Prayer: Lord, guide me in service to others, for I understand I have no purpose within myself. May I serve others in your name, even those who are not yet on this earth. Amen.
Monday, October 14, 2019
Finding the Undecided
Scripture: And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12
Observation: Paul discusses the second coming of Jesus and the timing of it, indicating that there is this uprising of sin, lead by a man of lawlessness, that must first come. While there are many, many questions when this will be, whom this person is, and even some of the literalness of this section, there is this added condition here provided by Paul.
People will be deluded and believe the lies ... the lies that indicate there is goodness and pleasure in unrighteousness ... for this reason: So that they may clearly identify themselves as standing opposed to the truth and love of Jesus, and thus may be rightly condemned. When Jesus comes in judgment, the weight and outcome of that judgment will be determined by the clear and obvious decisions of all.
Application: Today, there are more and more people who are outright opposed to Jesus, and this is by God's design. These people are firmly and adamantly believing the lies, and therefore are establishing their fate. This is their right of free will granted by God himself.
However, there are still so very many people who are undecided. There are many, many people in our own neighborhoods who simply are not engaged in even making a decision. For these people, it isn't that they have chosen against Jesus, they have simply not chosen anything. They have disengaged from the conversation. They may believe the lies of Satan because that's the only message they have heard, or they may believe nothing at all.
Whatever the case, these are the neighbors we must reach with the message of Jesus. Not all will receive it, but neither can they receive it without hearing it. We must tell them of Jesus' love, and of the free gift of salvation through faith. If they receive that truth, there will be celebration in heaven! If they instead choose the lie ... there will be weeping, but we will be closer to the coming of Jesus.
Prayer: Lord, we are preparing to delivery your message to thousands. I ask already that you begin preparing them for receiving our message and hearing about Jesus this Christmas season. May we bring a strong message of love and hope, and an opportunity for any and all to engage in a deeper understanding. Help us all to be strong in service to you in these months to come. Amen.
Observation: Paul discusses the second coming of Jesus and the timing of it, indicating that there is this uprising of sin, lead by a man of lawlessness, that must first come. While there are many, many questions when this will be, whom this person is, and even some of the literalness of this section, there is this added condition here provided by Paul.
People will be deluded and believe the lies ... the lies that indicate there is goodness and pleasure in unrighteousness ... for this reason: So that they may clearly identify themselves as standing opposed to the truth and love of Jesus, and thus may be rightly condemned. When Jesus comes in judgment, the weight and outcome of that judgment will be determined by the clear and obvious decisions of all.
Application: Today, there are more and more people who are outright opposed to Jesus, and this is by God's design. These people are firmly and adamantly believing the lies, and therefore are establishing their fate. This is their right of free will granted by God himself.
However, there are still so very many people who are undecided. There are many, many people in our own neighborhoods who simply are not engaged in even making a decision. For these people, it isn't that they have chosen against Jesus, they have simply not chosen anything. They have disengaged from the conversation. They may believe the lies of Satan because that's the only message they have heard, or they may believe nothing at all.
Whatever the case, these are the neighbors we must reach with the message of Jesus. Not all will receive it, but neither can they receive it without hearing it. We must tell them of Jesus' love, and of the free gift of salvation through faith. If they receive that truth, there will be celebration in heaven! If they instead choose the lie ... there will be weeping, but we will be closer to the coming of Jesus.
Prayer: Lord, we are preparing to delivery your message to thousands. I ask already that you begin preparing them for receiving our message and hearing about Jesus this Christmas season. May we bring a strong message of love and hope, and an opportunity for any and all to engage in a deeper understanding. Help us all to be strong in service to you in these months to come. Amen.
Thursday, October 10, 2019
Upon Receiving a Good Report
Scripture: But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always have good remembrance of us, greatly desiring to see us, as we also to see you - therefore, brethren, in all our affliction and distress we were comforted concerning you by your faith. 1 Thessalonians 3:6-7
Observation: As Paul discusses his wish to return to Thessalonica, he tells them of the encouragement he has from the good report of Timothy as to their faith. He is encouraged to hear that their faith is thriving. So often, Paul gets reports of church plants where their faith is struggling, but not so for the Thessalonians, who are doing great, and who also remember fondly Paul.
Paul is uplifted by this report, because it shows to him and to others how a single church can thrive when its members act in love, study the scriptures, and meet regularly to encourage one another. Certainly they have problems and disagreements, but overall the church at Thessalonica is an example of a strong body of Christ. This is all Paul has ever really wanted to know about them ... that they thrive in the name of Jesus.
Application: How would the pastor or Westminster Chapel circa 1994 receive news about the Evergreen Church of 2019? I hope it would be with a similar joy. Sure, our church has human issues, like not everyone getting along, but overall we grow, we baptize new believers, we learn in a manner faithful to the word, and we are a positive light known throughout the community and even to the city's leadership.
I hope this is the same way Jesus would look up our church. Sure, we aren't perfect, and we could do a better job loving each other, avoiding gossip, sharing with one another. However, we are on mission, and it would seem we are blessed by the Holy Spirit as a result.
Prayer: Lord, I desire that, when you consider our church, you think about a good report, that you hear good news of our faith and love, and know that we sincerely desire to see you and know you deeper as well. Please guide us all, from the leaders to the newest attendees, in becoming stronger in our faith through service during this busy time of year. We desire only to be your light, your messenger, and your love reflected in this corner of the world. Amen.
Observation: As Paul discusses his wish to return to Thessalonica, he tells them of the encouragement he has from the good report of Timothy as to their faith. He is encouraged to hear that their faith is thriving. So often, Paul gets reports of church plants where their faith is struggling, but not so for the Thessalonians, who are doing great, and who also remember fondly Paul.
Paul is uplifted by this report, because it shows to him and to others how a single church can thrive when its members act in love, study the scriptures, and meet regularly to encourage one another. Certainly they have problems and disagreements, but overall the church at Thessalonica is an example of a strong body of Christ. This is all Paul has ever really wanted to know about them ... that they thrive in the name of Jesus.
Application: How would the pastor or Westminster Chapel circa 1994 receive news about the Evergreen Church of 2019? I hope it would be with a similar joy. Sure, our church has human issues, like not everyone getting along, but overall we grow, we baptize new believers, we learn in a manner faithful to the word, and we are a positive light known throughout the community and even to the city's leadership.
I hope this is the same way Jesus would look up our church. Sure, we aren't perfect, and we could do a better job loving each other, avoiding gossip, sharing with one another. However, we are on mission, and it would seem we are blessed by the Holy Spirit as a result.
Prayer: Lord, I desire that, when you consider our church, you think about a good report, that you hear good news of our faith and love, and know that we sincerely desire to see you and know you deeper as well. Please guide us all, from the leaders to the newest attendees, in becoming stronger in our faith through service during this busy time of year. We desire only to be your light, your messenger, and your love reflected in this corner of the world. Amen.
Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Tuesday, October 8, 2019
The Curse of Trusing in Man
Scripture: Thus says the Lord:
Observation: This is another example of how we love and therefore learn certain bible verses, but not others that are just as important. The companion to this is verses 7-8, which describe as blessed those who trust in the Lord, and are like trees planted by stream that withstand drought and wind, and prosper with good fruit. The alternative is to trust in man ... those who do are cursed, like a shrub planted in the desert that struggles for its very life.
What does it look like to trust in man, instead of the Lord? It would look like what Judah looked like to Jeremiah ... and what the United States looks like today:
-- Caring about court rulings in matters of personal justice
-- Creating laws that alter and define societal morality
-- Debating with great intensity about political sides and opinions
-- Arguing about how to protect children from random violence in public settings
-- Celebrating intellectual achievements in science and technology
-- Relying on warcraft to defend us from terrorism and foreign hostility
All these behaviors are outright normal on a day-to-day basis in our society, and all of them begin with the concept of completely relying upon fully secular human judgment. Our society today is ... just a bunch of cursed shrubbery living in the desert, barely figuring out how to live, with no hope of truly thriving.
Application: Do those of us of faith - those in the universal Church of Jesus Christ - look any different than this? Do I look any different than this?
We pay too much attention to ... supreme court rulings, gun control debates, foreign warmongering, congressional hearings, technology advances. What we should do is simply pray into everything with the simple statement Jesus gave us, 'thy will be done'. The Lord can heal, protect, lead, and rule. There are churches in the world who do this, I feel, like those in the far east, and Africa. They are persecuted or marginalized to the point that they have no other influence but prayer. They cannot engage in 'issues' so trust God will engage.
Of course, most of our 'western' churches won't disengage from reliance on the ways of man. That does not mean I shouldn't do it.
Prayer: Lord, today and every day, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
"Cursed is the man who trusts in man
And makes flesh his strength,
Whose heart departs from the Lord.
For he shall be like a shrub in the desert,
And shall not see when good comes,
But shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness,
In a salt land which is not inhabited."
Jeremiah 17:5-6And makes flesh his strength,
Whose heart departs from the Lord.
For he shall be like a shrub in the desert,
And shall not see when good comes,
But shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness,
In a salt land which is not inhabited."
Observation: This is another example of how we love and therefore learn certain bible verses, but not others that are just as important. The companion to this is verses 7-8, which describe as blessed those who trust in the Lord, and are like trees planted by stream that withstand drought and wind, and prosper with good fruit. The alternative is to trust in man ... those who do are cursed, like a shrub planted in the desert that struggles for its very life.
What does it look like to trust in man, instead of the Lord? It would look like what Judah looked like to Jeremiah ... and what the United States looks like today:
-- Caring about court rulings in matters of personal justice
-- Creating laws that alter and define societal morality
-- Debating with great intensity about political sides and opinions
-- Arguing about how to protect children from random violence in public settings
-- Celebrating intellectual achievements in science and technology
-- Relying on warcraft to defend us from terrorism and foreign hostility
All these behaviors are outright normal on a day-to-day basis in our society, and all of them begin with the concept of completely relying upon fully secular human judgment. Our society today is ... just a bunch of cursed shrubbery living in the desert, barely figuring out how to live, with no hope of truly thriving.
Application: Do those of us of faith - those in the universal Church of Jesus Christ - look any different than this? Do I look any different than this?
We pay too much attention to ... supreme court rulings, gun control debates, foreign warmongering, congressional hearings, technology advances. What we should do is simply pray into everything with the simple statement Jesus gave us, 'thy will be done'. The Lord can heal, protect, lead, and rule. There are churches in the world who do this, I feel, like those in the far east, and Africa. They are persecuted or marginalized to the point that they have no other influence but prayer. They cannot engage in 'issues' so trust God will engage.
Of course, most of our 'western' churches won't disengage from reliance on the ways of man. That does not mean I shouldn't do it.
Prayer: Lord, today and every day, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
Monday, October 7, 2019
Personal Peace Through Christian Unity
Scripture: But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth ... Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering. Colossians 3:8,12
Observation: Paul provides the Colossians two lists, those traits they are to abandon, and those that they are to incorporate in their lives. The first list he further summarizes in terms of division between people, and the second list he summarizes as the unity of love among believers.
This is a lesson specific to the church. Within the body of believers, we are to eliminate any sort of crass, vulgar, or confrontational behavior, and replace such interactions with humble and gentle behaviors that demonstrate kindness and patience.
Application: I can do this within the group of people I associated with at church for sure, but it becomes more difficult the further the circle extends. There are those I struggle to like. There are those I simply don't really know. There are those who themselves seek to take advantage of such kindnesses. And of course there are those outside the church to whom further extending such practiced kindness is a struggle.
I pray for peace and joy. I believe these things are found within this mild and gentle approach toward others. Therefore, it is only myself that obstructs my desire to live a calm and peaceful life within the loving hands of the Lord. This is my obligation to correct in my heart.
Prayer: Lord, I desire your Spirit in my heart every day, and every moment, to guide my thoughts and actions. I desire this peace, and I know you are the source of that peace. Please aid me in finding it. I likely have about 30 years left in life, and I sincerely desire to make them count completely for your kingdom, in an attitude of joy and peace and love, and not in any way look to advance myself. May your kingdom come, on earth and in my heart. Amen.
Observation: Paul provides the Colossians two lists, those traits they are to abandon, and those that they are to incorporate in their lives. The first list he further summarizes in terms of division between people, and the second list he summarizes as the unity of love among believers.
This is a lesson specific to the church. Within the body of believers, we are to eliminate any sort of crass, vulgar, or confrontational behavior, and replace such interactions with humble and gentle behaviors that demonstrate kindness and patience.
Application: I can do this within the group of people I associated with at church for sure, but it becomes more difficult the further the circle extends. There are those I struggle to like. There are those I simply don't really know. There are those who themselves seek to take advantage of such kindnesses. And of course there are those outside the church to whom further extending such practiced kindness is a struggle.
I pray for peace and joy. I believe these things are found within this mild and gentle approach toward others. Therefore, it is only myself that obstructs my desire to live a calm and peaceful life within the loving hands of the Lord. This is my obligation to correct in my heart.
Prayer: Lord, I desire your Spirit in my heart every day, and every moment, to guide my thoughts and actions. I desire this peace, and I know you are the source of that peace. Please aid me in finding it. I likely have about 30 years left in life, and I sincerely desire to make them count completely for your kingdom, in an attitude of joy and peace and love, and not in any way look to advance myself. May your kingdom come, on earth and in my heart. Amen.
Thursday, October 3, 2019
Wisdom Sweet as Honey
Scripture:
My son, eat honey because it is good,
And the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste;
So shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul;
If you have found it, there is a prospect,
And your hope will not be cut off.
Proverbs 24:13-14
Observation: The word of God, and especially the wisdom that is to be received through the word of God, is just like the sweetest honey. Honey is a wonderful treat. It is sweet, yet fully natural. It never spoils. It provides natural energy. Honey can be eaten by itself, or on something, or mixed into a meal to add sweetness and richness. In other words, for the body, honey provides all sorts of benefits, and is pleasurable to enjoy as one consumes it.
And so it is with the word of God and God's wisdom when it comes to our souls. Such wisdom strengthens and nourishes, and at the same time is pleasurable to receive and consume. With the wisdom of the Lord, we find a future and a hope.
Application: I enjoy honey, yet eat it in moderation. This is because today we have too much refined sugar from other sources. If I were to replace all sweetener and sugar with honey, I'm sure I'd find I am eating it continually. Sugar is in everything we consume these days, and for ancient people seeking a natural source that means honey would be ubiquitous to almost every meal and food.
Is God's word ubiquitous in my life? Is it in literally everything? Do I apply God's wisdom - and seek his wisdom - in every ... moment, meeting, discussion, event, email, agenda, commute, television show, or ball game?
If I applied the wisdom from God's word to absolutely every moment of my life, my daily walk would be so much different. It would have clear hope. Every situation would look like it has a future good outcome. They would be sweet.
Prayer: Lord, as I continue in your word, and getting to know you better, may I try to apply your wisdom more and more to my normal, everyday, walking-around life. I would love my basic thoughts to be sweetened by your promises, guidance, precepts, and love. Thank you for the hope in my life. Amen.
My son, eat honey because it is good,
And the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste;
So shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul;
If you have found it, there is a prospect,
And your hope will not be cut off.
Proverbs 24:13-14
Observation: The word of God, and especially the wisdom that is to be received through the word of God, is just like the sweetest honey. Honey is a wonderful treat. It is sweet, yet fully natural. It never spoils. It provides natural energy. Honey can be eaten by itself, or on something, or mixed into a meal to add sweetness and richness. In other words, for the body, honey provides all sorts of benefits, and is pleasurable to enjoy as one consumes it.
And so it is with the word of God and God's wisdom when it comes to our souls. Such wisdom strengthens and nourishes, and at the same time is pleasurable to receive and consume. With the wisdom of the Lord, we find a future and a hope.
Application: I enjoy honey, yet eat it in moderation. This is because today we have too much refined sugar from other sources. If I were to replace all sweetener and sugar with honey, I'm sure I'd find I am eating it continually. Sugar is in everything we consume these days, and for ancient people seeking a natural source that means honey would be ubiquitous to almost every meal and food.
Is God's word ubiquitous in my life? Is it in literally everything? Do I apply God's wisdom - and seek his wisdom - in every ... moment, meeting, discussion, event, email, agenda, commute, television show, or ball game?
If I applied the wisdom from God's word to absolutely every moment of my life, my daily walk would be so much different. It would have clear hope. Every situation would look like it has a future good outcome. They would be sweet.
Prayer: Lord, as I continue in your word, and getting to know you better, may I try to apply your wisdom more and more to my normal, everyday, walking-around life. I would love my basic thoughts to be sweetened by your promises, guidance, precepts, and love. Thank you for the hope in my life. Amen.
Wednesday, October 2, 2019
Seeking True Continuous Improvement
Scripture: Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Philippians 3:12
Observation: In this chapter, Paul gives his well-known argument about how good of an example of a Jew he is, and yet considers all that loss for the sake for faith of Jesus. He presents in that argument also his strong faith in Jesus. However, this verse is a telling transition. Paul indicates that it doesn't matter how good of a man, or faithful of a believer he is ... but that he will always seek to grow and improve. Paul will always seek to grow in faith, love, and correct behavior. In this, he encourages the Philippians to use him as the example, and likewise always strive to grow and improve.
Application: I do not need encouragement to know I need to grow and improve. I am a middle-aged man, and yet I know my failures and shortcomings, and I strive to do better. My learning seems to come too slow at times. My missteps are repeated too many times. My mental alignment to the word of God ... just misfires way too often. The point is, I know all this, and no matter how much I eventually learn and improve, there will always be more to do in my pursuit to show love and mercy to others.
Prayer: Lord, I have prayed several times recently for personal joy and peace. Instead today, may I pray to grow more and more in my outward service toward others. May I love others, and extend your mercy to them. In this, I strive to grow all the days of my life. Amen.
Observation: In this chapter, Paul gives his well-known argument about how good of an example of a Jew he is, and yet considers all that loss for the sake for faith of Jesus. He presents in that argument also his strong faith in Jesus. However, this verse is a telling transition. Paul indicates that it doesn't matter how good of a man, or faithful of a believer he is ... but that he will always seek to grow and improve. Paul will always seek to grow in faith, love, and correct behavior. In this, he encourages the Philippians to use him as the example, and likewise always strive to grow and improve.
Application: I do not need encouragement to know I need to grow and improve. I am a middle-aged man, and yet I know my failures and shortcomings, and I strive to do better. My learning seems to come too slow at times. My missteps are repeated too many times. My mental alignment to the word of God ... just misfires way too often. The point is, I know all this, and no matter how much I eventually learn and improve, there will always be more to do in my pursuit to show love and mercy to others.
Prayer: Lord, I have prayed several times recently for personal joy and peace. Instead today, may I pray to grow more and more in my outward service toward others. May I love others, and extend your mercy to them. In this, I strive to grow all the days of my life. Amen.
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